Unmasking aflatoxin hazards in maize for human consumption: investigating maize contamination in Mwanza Markets, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Aflatoxin arises from toxigenic Aspergillus species, which infect maize because of improper storage, insufficient drying, extended storage periods, and suboptimal farming practices. This study investigated the aflatoxin contamination in maize for human consumption within specific markets of Mwanza, Tanzania. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2021. Maize samples were analyzed using ELISA followed by descriptive statistical data analysis. Results: A total of 90 maize merchants from 8 local markets were involved. Their mean age was 34.7 (± 6.7) years, majority were male (51 out of 90, 56.7%). Among the vendors, the majority were not aware of aflatoxin (62 out of 90, 68.9%), stored maize in polypropylene woven bags (62 out of 90, 68.98%) and dried the maize before storage (86 out of 90, 95.6%). Out of the 90 samples, 10 (11.1%) had aflatoxin contamination above 1µg/kg, ranging from 1.01µg/kg to 33.4µg/kg with 3 (3.3%) being contaminated above the acceptable standard (≥10µg/kg). Conclusion: The levels of aflatoxin contamination in maize for human consumption exceed the established safety thresholds. Governments in lower and middle-income nations should intensify enforcement of regulations aimed at enhancing community awareness regarding aflatoxin risks and minimizing contaminations. Keywords: Maize vendors; maize contamination; polypropylene woven bags; Aflatoxin.